The Experiential Learning Team (ELAT) is a collaborative of faculty and staff at Davidson committed to cultivating high impact experiential learning opportunities for students and supporting faculty and staff in their design of these pedagogical practices.

ELAT defines high impact practices as evidence-based practices that engage and challenge students. Experiences with high impact should:

  • Immerse students in discovery, analysis and problem solving
  • Engage students in the big questions
  • Prepare students for citizenship and work
  • Emphasize personal and social responsibility
  • Use assessment to deepen learning and establish a culture of shared purpose and continuous improvement

At Davidson, four categories of experiences fulfill our criteria for curricular-adjacent high impact practices: community-based and project-based learning, education away, internships, research experiences.

The team grew out of a task force that was formed during the fall of 2014 at the request of President Carol Quillen to evaluate experiential learning programs at Davidson and make recommendations to the strategic advisory group. 

If you have questions about the Experiential Learning team, please contact co-chairs Stacey Riemer, Associate Dean of Students & Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, or Fuji Lozada, Associate Dean of the Faculty.

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The 2022-23 ELAT Annual Report is live!

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For specific deadlines and event dates, visit the Catalyst portal in WildcatSync.

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Meet the Experiential Learning Team

Fuji Lozada (co-chair), Senior Associate Dean of the Faculty
Stacey Riemer (co-chair), Associate Dean of Students & Director of the Center for Civic Engagement
Mark Barsoum, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Liz Brigham, Director of the Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Joseph Ewoodzie, Associate Professor of Sociology and Vann Professor of Racial Justice
Kelli Fagala, Experiential Learning Program Fellow
Cindy Hauser, Associate Dean for Educational Policy
Jane Mangan, Director of the Dean Rusk International Studies Program
Gaylena Merritt, Director of Fellowships
Mary Muchane, Director of the Office of Grants and Contracts
Naomi Otterness, Director of Education Abroad
Josh King, Interim Director/Associate Director for Engagement & Athlete Career Development
Cameron Clark, Sustainability Coordinator for Student Programs